Campgrounds To Begin Reopening In 22 Counties

WASHINGTON — After months stuck at home and indoors, campgrounds in 22 counties will be allowed to reopen to visitors starting on June 1.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources announced the move Friday, though each agency will be reopening campgrounds on a case-by-case basis.

The reopening campgrounds are all in counties that had already been cleared to enter Phase 2 of Gov. Inslee's Safe Start plan. The second phase allows for a variety of activities to return, including most outdoor recreation and non-essential travel to and from campgrounds.

The counties that can reopen campgrounds are: Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Cowlitz, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pend Orielle, Skamania, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, and Whitman.

Pacific County will also reopen state park campgrounds, but those grounds will be limited to 50 percent total capacity and DNR-operated grounds will remain closed.

Counties that have been approved for Phase 2 but can not reopen campgrounds are: San Juan, Island, Clallam and Jefferson counties.

State leaders say they're excited to be able to bring these campgrounds back up and running in time for summer, but want everyone to remember to continue physical distancing even when camping.

"Opening camping on our public lands is a step toward normalcy for all of us,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “While we get back outside, it is imperative to do all we can to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe by recreating responsibly."

While many campgrounds are being reopened, a few facilities and features will stay closed for the foreseeable future. State parks will not be renting out cabins, yurts or other buildings to overnight visitors. Their group campsites will also stay closed. Campers at State Parks-run grounds are also advised to get a reservation before heading out to make sure there's space for them when they arrive.

The majority of State Parks and Fish and Wildlife campgrounds are expected to open right on June 1, but campgrounds handled by the Department of Natural Resources will be opened on a rolling basis over the coming weeks.

The state is also asking campers to keep a few things in mind before they head out into the wild:

• Check ahead to make sure the campground is open beforehand.
• Try to only visit campgrounds close to home, and limit stops on the way. This lowers the chances of spreading the coronavirus during travel.
• Follow the rules. Check burn bans before lighting a campfire, and never leave a fire unattended.
• Bring all the supplies you need. Be aware that some campsites do not have running water.
• Limit your party to five or fewer members, unless they are all from the same household.
• Leave no trace. Garbage cleanup is still unavailable at most parks so visitors are expected to pack it in and pack it all out.

More Links:

An updated list of all open State Park campgrounds.

Information on Fish and Wildlife campgrounds.

A list of DNR lands that have reopened.